Rajasthan In Depth - 14 Days / 13 Nights

The Rajasthan is one of the most visually stunning and historically fascinating parts of India, and is a treasure trove of palaces, fortresses, temples and other architectural wonders of the Mughal Empire. This in-depth, 2-week tour takes you not only to the well-known cities of Agra, home of the iconic Taj Mahal a UNESO heritage site and considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the pink-walled city of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Deep in the countryside you'll visit Pushkar, famous for its seasonal camel fairs, and Jaisalmer with its golden city walls surrounded by the Thar Desert.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

After completing immigration and custom formalities you will be met by our representative
who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to the hotel.

Delhi is made up of about 15 cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. There is little left of the early cities. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) and New Delhi, the two most recent cities and the heart of modern Delhi, are relatively intact. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance. The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is Shah Jehan’s symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any others conceivable form of intense commerce. Included Meals: B

Day 2 Delhi

This morning visit Old Delhi, which is a striking contrast to New Delhi. Here are very narrow streets with unregulated traffic of all kinds (where might is always right). The Red Fort, built when the Mughal (Muslim) architecture was at its peak, is surrounded by a 2 km red sandstone wall and houses several splendid buildings.
The Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) opposite the Red Fort is the largest mosque in India and one of the greatest examples of the architectural extravaganza of the Mughal era, then a brief stop at Raj Ghat -- Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial in black marble. The highlight is a walk through Chandni Chowk (Silver Square), the main shopping street, and a legacy of the Mughal era.

This afternoon visit New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar - a tall tower, built to call the de-vout for prayer at an adjoining mosque. The India Gate (War Memorial) is a 42 meter high stone arch and has names of 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in the first world war.
The President’s house is a huge building with 340 rooms in the middle of sprawling well laid out gardens. The architecture here is purely British.

Overnight: The Lalit, New DelhiIncluded Meals: B

Day 3 Agra

Early this morning, we depart for Agra. After our check-in at the hotel, our first visit is to the famous Taj Mahal. Later, we tour the Agra Fort before watching a live Dances of India show. Later we'll see a marble carving demonstration, then stop beside the Yamuna River to watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal. Accommodation at Howard Plaza Hotel (2 nights)Accommodation:Howard Plaza HotelIncluded Meals: BL

Day 4 Agra

You have the option to re-visit the Taj Mahal early this morning to witness sunrise and see the beautiful monument in a totally different light. Return for breakfast at the hotel and later we tour the exquisite Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb) and Sikandar’s Tomb. The afternoon is at leisure and tonight we'll enjoy the Taj Mahal love story at Kalakrity Auditorium.Included Meals: B

Days 5 & 6 Jaipur

Departing Agra, we stop at the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri and at Abhaneri to see a step well. In Geejgarh we have lunch and experience village life where you can take a camel cart or camel ride or a walk through the village before driving on to Jaipur. On the next day's tour we visit the Amber Fort, arriving on elephant back, Jantar Mantar Observatory, the City Palace Museum, and the Palace of Winds. Then take a rickshaw ride through the market. There is also an optional tour to see a demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing. Accommodation at Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, or similar (2 nights)Accommodation:Four Points by Sheraton Navi MumbaiIncluded Meals: BL

Day 7 Pushkar

We arrive this morning in Pushkar and take a walking tour, visit the Holy Lake and Brahma Temple to watch a Pooja ceremony. During the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, we visit the fair ground to see many cultural activities, Rajasthani dances, puppet and magic shows, and take camel or camel cart rides. Overnight at Pushkar Palace Hotel, or Superior Tent Camp, or similarAccommodation:Pushkar Palace HotelIncluded Meals: B

Days 8 & 9 Udaipur

En route to picturesque Udaipur, we visit the famous Eklingi and Nagda Temple complex with its 108 temples. This evening we have a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola. Next day our Udaipur tour includes the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the old city's market. This afternoon choose an optional tour such as touring the Sajjangarh Fort, a crafts village or take a cooking class. Tonight we have a special Rajastani dinner at Rajbagh. Accommodation at Udai Kothi, or similar (2 nights)Accommodation:Udai KothiIncluded Meals: 2B, 1L

Day 10 Jodhpur

Today we drive to Jodhpur stopping in Ranakpur to visit the magnificent Jain Temples complex and have lunch. Before arriving in Jodhpur we'll stop for a cup of tea with local family in a Bishnoi Village. Accommodation at Park Plaza Hotel, or similar (2 nights)Accommodation:Park Plaza JodhpurIncluded Meals: BL

Day 11 Jodhpur

This morning we tour Jodhpur's massive Meherangarh Fort before visiting Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble memorial and the Museum located in the Umaid Public Gardens. Later we take an auto rickshaw ride through the market to visit Clock Tower. Included Meals: B

Day 12 Jaisalmer

Today, we drive into the desert to Jaisalmer and on arrival, walk through a local market and see many magnificent Havelis (merchants' mansions). Accommodation at Gorbandh Palace Hotel, or similar (2 nights)Accommodation:Gorbandh Palace HotelIncluded Meals: B

Day 13 Jaisalmer

After our visit to Gadi Sagar Lake-a man made reservoir, we walk through the extraordinary Golden Fort. Later this afternoon we leave the city and take a camel ride to watch the sun set over the Thar Desert's dunes. Weather permitting we'll have dinner in the desert or back at our hotel. Included Meals: BD

Day 14 Depart Delhi

We leave Jaisalmer early this morning and drive back to Jodhpur in time to fly back to Delhi for the departure of on your onward flight.Included Meals: B